Interpretive Dance

We've been listening to a lot of ColdPlay around here lately, and the kids took it upon themselves to create this dance. Lauren is the ringleader, of course, and Ethan follows her moves (for now). Check this out. I think it's actually kind of neat. We've had multiple performances and this isn't exactly the best, but Lauren just started taking ballet and had put a lot of her moves into some of the other versions.

A new post...

Our blog needs a new post. I sure wish I had something fabulous to post. However, we're just getting by around here. I am taking things day by day without our Em. It's been really hard, and I'll leave it at that. Some of you may have seen the photo tribute to Emma I did on facebook. I'm going to make that and some other photos into a nice leatherbond album for her. She was such an extraordinary dog. Here is a fun picture of our family movie night, "Horton Hears a Who." It just happens to be Emma's last night with us. She loved popcorn, so I'm so glad she got her favorite on her last night. I'm going to post a funny video of the kids next.

Emma's Final Chapter

I need to keep this brief, but wanted to update. Our Emma is gone. Her fight is over. We had a difficult night last night with her, and she gave us a sign that now was the time. She was bleeding internally, in her GI tract. This was all due to complications with the disease itself, medications, and her platelets being low, etc etc. We knew this because of the bloody stool in our bedroom last night at 1:30 am and in the yard at 3:10 am, I think? We confirmed with our Dr. this morning that the best course of action was to let her go, so today we did. The decision was made with much clarity. We don't need reassurance that we did the right thing, because we know we did. The sparkle was gone out of those beautiful brown eyes. She went to sleep so peacefully, and much to our surprise, we felt a great deal of relief at that moment. Of course now that we're home, other emotions are taking over. We were very honest with our children. They don't exactly know that it was our decision, but they know that her heart couldn't beat any longer, that today she was going to die, and that she couldn't overcome her illness. They said goodbye to her, but it's clear that they don't understand the true implications of what took place today. That is all for now. We will will miss you like crazy, Poo Bear.

Some Holiday Photos...

Finally, the New Year!

Are we ever glad around here to ring in the new year! Without rehashing the entire crazy holiday, I will mention it was an interesting one to be kind, with our family almost losing our precious Emma, Ethan having 8 days of high fevers (spanning Christmas) that topped out in the 105's, and last but not least, a fire in the yard on New Years Day! Now, of course we are able to recognize that things could always, always be worse, and are so thankful they are NOT! Things are looking up around here! Big changes are coming this year. We are putting our house on the market on Sunday, and have been looking for houses in an area of town with some of the best schools in GA. (Our current school district is... not good.) After all, Lauren will be starting kindergarten in August (WHAAATTT????) and Ethan is only two years behind. So, a move, starting real school, a few marathons, a summer at the lake, future medical challenges with Emma as we wean her meds... lots of things coming up in 2009. We are buckling our seat belts for this ride!

Here are some pictures from our New Years Day fire. The fire was caused by our neighbor, who was heavy into fireworks New Years Eve after LSU won. The firemen said the embers smouldered over night, then with the drought we've had and 20-30 mph winds on Jan. 1, the fire started and took out his lawn completely. Of course, the winds were blowing right at our house, and the fire was coming right at us SO FAST. When it started, I was wondering where the smoke was coming from, so I went at looked out the window and first saw the fire. I yelled, "FIRE!" and ran outside and started up the garden hose. Eric helped me unroll it while I squirted the flames. Then he disappeared and came back out with Papa and two fire extinguishers. Nana was inside with the kids and didn't start taking photos until the flames were out, so you won't see fire, just the black grass. It was coming right at our house!

Good News on New Year's Eve

Emma performed very well at the vet today... Her PCV was 33! Yes, that's right, 33! This is spectacular news, and means that the medicines are working, she's responding. It is of course critical that her body responds to the immunosuppressants for her to survive. Some dogs don't respond to it. SHE IS!!! HURRAY FOR EMMA!!! Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers that you've sent our way. We are so thankful for the support. We are not out of the woods yet, but this is a very good step in the right direction, and it means more time with Emma! Have a Happy New Year! Next check up for Em is next week!

Good Day Today

Emma had a good day today! Up and about more and more, ears a little perkier, begging for treats, etc. I take her in tomorrow to GVS at 11:15 am for a PCV check, and I'm feeling good news coming on. Her tongue looks nice and pink - not as pink as it could be, but not pale like it was.... Her respirations are great, and she has her drooly appetite. Wow. I hope she's proving herself to be in the "good" 30%!!! Will post an update after tomorrow's appt. It feels so good to not be so anxious. I am feeling so relieved right now, and hoping it is warranted!